Know your Soil and Composting

Ask a Question Course Brochure How to Apply 
LOCATION & START DATE
Bicton College - 14 July 2025
LEVEL
No Qualification Levels Explained
DURATION
1 full day This course runs from 09:30 to 16:00
LEARNING AREA
Horticulture, Floristry & Arboriculture Find out more
ATTENDANCE
Part-time

Course information

Know your soil and composting The soil is vital to the healthy growth of your plants. If you have a knowledge of how the soil and plants interact then it is possible to improve the growth of your plants.

This course will give you an introduction into a range of soil characteristics and an opportunity to test some of these including the texture, pH, organic matter content and the nutrient values.
Also, how to create and use compost from recycled plant material. How to construct a successful compost heap and how best to use it in the garden.

This course is recommended for anyone who is interested in growing fruit and vegetables.

Also for new gardeners or those working in the industry wishing to know more about the soil.

You will learn about a range of soil characteristics. How to test accurately for pH and texture and other soil characteristics. Once these have been established, how to manage your soil accordingly.

Also, how to create and use compost from the garden. This is a one day practical course in the Bicton walled garden and soil lab, testing at a range of soil types and identifying how to manage them.

Please note: This course is for adults 19+.

None

Bicton College

Bicton College

Bicton College is based in East Devon, near Exeter, and set in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, just two miles from the Jurassic Coast. The historic Georgian mansion, commercial farm, animal husbandry school, modern veterinary nursing building, world-class engineering and heavy plant machinery workshop, walled garden and arboretum are all set in over 200 hectares of historic parkland.


Find out more about our Bicton campus


Events

Bicton College logoOpen Event at Bicton College

Open Event at Bicton College

16-19 Adult Apprenticeship University
  • Dates
    18th January 2025, 10:00am - 12:00pm
    26th April 2025, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Discover our courses, apprenticeships, tour our campuses and meet our amazing team at one of our Open Days!  View Event
Bicton College logoTaster Day at Bicton College

Taster Day at Bicton College

16-19 Apprenticeship University
  • Dates
    17th February 2025, 9:00am - 3:30pm
    28th May 2025, 9:00am - 3:30pm
Try a subject before you apply! View Event

Start your application

Course type Adult
Apply now

This course is free (dependent on eligibility). For individuals with an income over £32,000, there is a nominal fee - Tuition Fees: £60.00.
Financial support for ages 19+
Download a course brochure
Share

Course Code 13740-BIC-24

Courses listed on this website are indicative of the subject, nature and level of study. The College reserves the right to alter specific qualifications titles, awarding bodies and levels of qualification, which can change in year. Any cost may also vary, based on personal funding eligibility. The Cornwall College Group reserves the right to withdraw any course listed at any time.

Know your Soil and Composting No Qualification Bicton College Propagation, Cuttings, Growing, Free, Adult
Cornwall College Career Dashboard

Why choose a career in Horticulture, Floristry & Arboriculture?

Florist

£ 

Average salary

Find our more about a career as a
Florist

Tree Surgeon

£ 

Average salary

Find our more about a career as a
Tree Surgeon

Greenhouse Worker

£ 

Average salary

Find our more about a career as a
Greenhouse Worker

Nursery Gardener

£ 

Average salary

Find our more about a career as a
Nursery Gardener